Portret van Cornelis Pietersz. Hooft 1760

Jacob Houbraken created this engraving of Cornelis Pietersz. Hooft in the 18th century, a period marked by significant social stratification and burgeoning trade in the Netherlands. Cornelis Pietersz. Hooft, a man of undeniable influence, served as the Mayor and Councillor of Amsterdam. Note his attire: the fur-trimmed coat, the ruffled collar, each element speaks of status and belonging to the ruling class. The portrait is not merely a likeness; it’s a statement of power, perpetuating a narrative of class and authority. Houbraken masterfully captures this sense of the man's importance. Consider the emotional undercurrent of the piece. What does it mean to have your portrait etched into history, knowing it will shape how future generations perceive you? It’s a profound act of self-fashioning, set against the backdrop of Amsterdam’s golden age.